Research, experimentation and creativity took centre stage on 25 June, when Istituto Marangoni Milano Design hosted the final event of the Elena Salmistraro Contest, involving first-year students from the Visual Design, Product Design and Interior Design Bachelor's programmes.

An internationally acclaimed product designer and artist, Elena Salmistraro is renowned for her expressive visual language, combining art, design and storytelling through sculptural forms, vibrant colours and a strong emotional dimension. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with some of the world's leading design brands, establishing herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Italian design.

Inspired by her creative universe, students were challenged to develop original projects capable of interpreting her aesthetic and design approach through the tools and methodologies of their respective disciplines. The contest provided a unique opportunity to experiment, strengthen their own design identity and engage with a brief inspired by the work of a leading international designer.

The final event saw the shortlisted projects presented before a jury, which selected one winner from each study area. The three winning students were awarded scholarships to support their progression into the second year of their academic journey, recognising not only the quality of their projects but also their ability to transform research, experimentation and creative vision into innovative and personal design proposals.

Visual Design

The Visual Design scholarship was awarded to Lili Zetlitz for FINNO & EBBE.

Designed to promote empathy and kindness through play, FINNO & EBBE is a board game inspired by classic tabletop games that encourages children to reflect on the importance of everyday acts of kindness. Through conversation, drawing and action cards, the project transforms play into an educational experience that fosters dialogue, collaboration and meaningful connections, supported by a coherent and engaging visual identity.

Product Design

For Product Design, the scholarship was awarded to Gretta Basaldua for EÓN.

Inspired by the extraordinary crystal formations of the Naica Mine in Mexico, EÓN reinterprets natural geometries through a sculptural stool that translates geological processes into a contemporary piece of furniture. Balancing formal research, structural stability and material experimentation, the project transforms the power of nature into an iconic and timeless design object.

Interior Design

The Interior Design scholarship was awarded to Kristina Otroshchenko for Who's Watching Who?

Developed in response to the "Duplex in Milano" brief, the project interprets Elena Salmistraro's creative language through an immersive interior that explores the relationship between identity, perception and space. Colour, light, materials and decorative details combine to create an emotionally engaging environment where interior design becomes a medium for storytelling and experimentation.

Through initiatives such as the Elena Salmistraro Contest, Istituto Marangoni Milano Design continues to promote a teaching approach rooted in dialogue with internationally renowned designers and in the development of projects that combine research, experimentation and innovation. By working on briefs inspired by leading creative professionals, students are encouraged to develop a personal design vision while gaining the skills needed to address the challenges of today's international design landscape.